Rich in time

I wake up the next day at about 9 and the first thing I do is draw back the curtains. The black and white chequered pattern of the hotel makes for a pretty picture below; the Plus Pool, so called because of the geometrical shape, shimmering in the morning light.

Lake Pichola extends in front of me beyond the hotel, its vast silvery expanse surrounding the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir fondly once again, as if meeting old friends after a long while.

The rain gods have blessed Udaipur again and all the lakes are full after last year's drought, and there isn't going to be a dry season next year. Udaipur is full of life right now, and its lakes are singing in joy.

Somewhere, someone else starts a soulful, almost haunting, folk tune. New guests are being welcomed off the boat at the Leela Palace, like I was yesterday. Soon, a shower of rose petals will surprise them, make them smile, and forget the weariness of the 6a.m. flight for that moment.

The welcome is truly royal, as is the rest of the experience at this latest luxury hotel in Udaipur; and one of the most luxurious experiences here is nothing but your very room.In roomThe rest of the day, I don't have to walk to the window. I sit here right on my bed and I can see the lake, the palaces floating in it. A green hill leads to the Karni Mata Temple; a boat gently floats away, taking guests of the three hotels on the lake for sightseeing. The City Palace looms on the left, greenery spreads on the right. As far as rooms with a view go, you can't do much better.

The bed itself is difficult to get out of, plush and comfortable with down pillows letting you sink in and sleep deeply. Everything in the room has a touch of opulence yet nothing is garish. There is obvious luxury for those who care about such things: the mother of pearl headboard, traditional thekri work panels on the walls, the huge flat screen television that turns 180 degrees, a spacious walk in closet, a large bathtub, butler service... But the things that charm me are smaller in size and scale.

Newby Earl Grey tea in the room is one thing I get addicted to. Good tea can reach places in your mind that good wine, sometimes, cannot. The modern lighting system is fascinating--it does away with traditional switches and instead has buttons for low, medium and high light options for room, bath, wardrobe, reading, working, night lamp, everything.

I keep the lights low, the curtains drawn back and the tea going. It's the first time I spend so much time in a hotel room, reading and watching DVDs, relaxing in the sheer bliss of doing nothing.

Concept spaThe Leela Udaipur has brought in the concept of tented spa for the fist time. Gorgeous yellow, red, orange spa tents with local mirrorwork rise high, offering you a cool arty space to let go of your worries. Massages range from Ayurvedic to Aromatherapy and you can choose the kind of music you want while your therapy is on. I choose lounge music, as I have already got a good dose of local music in the car from the airport, in the lifts and I can do with a change.

This is also the first ESPA in the country and the products of the brand look great and smell better. You can buy ESPA products from the spa reception, another beautifully decorated area with cushions in different bright colours that you see Rajasthani women wearing, adding a fine contrast to the otherwise subtle setting. I choose a de-stressing aromatherapy massage; frankincense and myrrh--yes Christmas has come early for me--combine with the base oil to make for a delicate fragrance, as the therapist (Sonam from Tibet!) follows my instruction ably and works away the tension from my muscles.

Outlets & the outsideThere is enough to do at the Leela and people like me, who've seen the city, needn't step out for a few days. There is the swimming pool, the croquet ground, and a hundred different pretty corners to read in. By the lake side, niches in the wall allow you to sit and gaze at the waters endlessly; near the Plus Pool one can sit under gazebos and read or sleep or people-watch. There is yoga and meditation, for those who want to converse with the universe. Inside the hotel, the richly decorated courtyard has daily performances by local folk singers and a dancer and some of the songs are most amusing, encouraging the public to applaud in appreciation.

The Library Bar carries the luxury theme forward, and is a cosy nook to enjoy a drink or a smoke. The Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and during lunch, pop music keeps you company, a surprising but welcome change from usual piped music. Sheesh Mahal is the Indian fine dining restaurant by the lake, where an elaborate dining ritual filled with little enchanting ceremonies keeps you entertained.

The food, however, is a bit of a disappointment--seeing that the hotel sets such high standards for every other aspect. The food can at best be described as ordinary, with north Indian food being your best bet. I look forward to this aspect being perfect too, on my next visit.

For sure, there will be a next time. Udaipur as a city and the Leela Palace as a hotel both deserve repeated visits. Next time, perhaps I will even step out for a few hours.

ITC Maurya, New DelhiITC One and Mauryan ChamberThe experience of ITC One, the exclusive wing at ITC Maurya in Delhi, begins at the airport itself, where a limousine waits to whiz you to the hotel. A discreet check-in is done in the room by a personal butler, who is there to ensure that you never miss the comforts of your home during your time here. The understated, luxurious and elegant rooms in this wing have been specially designed for busy travellers.

If you are holding a meeting, The Board Room is available for eight hours during the stay. There is also an exclusive lounge, ITC One Lounge, to have a relaxed cup of coffee or tea.

The rooms, spread over a large area, are done up tastefully in soft colours. Here you can relax at the special reclining leather massage chair and watch television. The music system comes loaded with your preferred music as you can request for the songs you like. And when it comes to exercising those muscles you don't need to step down to go to the gym; the exercise equipment is right in your room!

At the Mauryan Chamber the focus continues to be on indulgence. In this wing all the rooms are designed in a manner that you feel as if you are in a studio apartment rather than a hotel room. They are spacious, plush and have lovely views of the city. All rooms have a walk-in wardrobe, seating area and modern amenities such as a plasma screen television and internet connectivity.

The bathrooms are spacious, done up in white Italian marble they are equipped with large bathtubs and separate shower enclosures so it is luxury all the way.

Staying here will get you access to the The Towers Club and Upper Crust Lounge, as well as a complimentary club hour every evening from 6.30 to 8p.m with cocktails.

The Oberoi, MumbaiPresidential SuitesThe first thing that catches my attention as I enter one of the two presidential suites at The Oberoi, Mumbai, is the sweeping view of the Arabian Sea through massive glass windows. I was staying at the hotel after it reopened following the terror attacks and one morning went to take a look at the 'Golconda Presidential Suite' and 'Kohinoor Presidential Suite' on the 20th and 21st floor of the hotel. Both the suites are identical, and superbly luxurious, spreading over more than 2,000 sq ft. That is as large as some of the biggest flats in this crowded and space-cramped city!

The rich silk upholstered sofas in the spacious living room tempt me to plonk on them straightaway. There is a stunning black coloured piano right in the middle. For many minutes, I just relax over here, drinking in the ocean view. It is difficult to believe that I am in Mumbai--there is such a sense of calm all around. I plan to come back in the evening to see the sun going home. I am told it's a spectacular scene.

After some time, I move on to the work area, where I quickly realise that it all ready to function as an office away from an office. There is everything high-powered business travellers would need--high speed internet access, telephones, and facilities such as printing, photocopying and faxing.

If I were staying here, I would not want to bother too much with work I think, as I move on to the massive bedroom furnished with a king-sized bed, sofas and coffee tables. It would certainly not difficult to turn in for a good night's rest here. For those who like to bring their guests along, or travel with their family, there is an adjoining interconnected bedroom with its own glass-walled bathroom.

As I step into the bathroom, the first thing I see is the treadmill. There is no excuse not to exercise I guess, even for important people. It is all marble, with vanity counters, a large bathtub and television. I step out reluctantly... but the luxury all around tempts me to linger.

Luxury hotel reopens in ParisThe French capital saw the reopening of the iconic Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris which has been around since 1930. Designed by Philippe Starck, this 149-room luxury hotel has five dining options including an Italian and French cuisine restaurant. The suites now have private balconies. By early next year an indoor pool and spa will also open. If you need any tips on fashion or shopping, the in-house fashion advisor and personal shopper will be happy to help you.Visit www.raffles.com

Westin opens hotel in GurgaonThe Westin group's new hotel in Gurgaon has 313 rooms and suites, each one featuring the group's signature Westin Heavenly Bed(r).The seven Aura rooms are only for female travellers. These rooms are serviced by only females and have a doorbell with a video option. The hotel has five dining options including Asian, international and an Italian restaurant which will open in December. The Heavenly Spa is also expected to open by then.Visit www.starwoodhotels.com

New wing at ITC MughalITC Mughal in Agra has opened a new spa wing called 'Khwabgah' with opulent suites in three categories named Roshan-e-Nagina, Saher-e-Shabnam and Dariya-e-Noor. All the suites are decorated with colours like white, silver and golden for a royal effect. The five Dariya-e-Noor suites, the largest ones, have a plunge pool and spa room allowing guests to experience spa therapies in their suite.Visit www.itcwelcomgroup.in

St Regis' first Resort in TibetWith the opening of St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Tibet got its first five-star international luxury resort. It is located close to World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Norbulingka. The 150-room resort has villas and suites also. When it comes to dining you can choose from an all-day dining restaurant serving international cuisine, a Chinese restaurant, a Tibetan restaurant serving the cuisine in traditional setting and also a Tea Room. The Iridium Spa offers a number of treatments.For details visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Pet Resort opens at Walt Disney World ResortWhile you spend your day at one of Walt Disney's theme parks in Orlando leave your pet (dog or cat) at the new Best Friends Pet Care Resort. The luxury resort has different play areas for your pet including a private dog park. When it comes to accommodation choose from a standard suite, a VIP (Very Important Pet) Suite which comes with a television, raised bedding and private outdoor yard, or a Vacation Villa which also includes a walk and playtime session. For cats there is a separate 'Kitty City' pavilion with two and four-room condos. Other features include a grooming salon, social playgroup with other dogs, cuddle time and bedtime stories, ice cream treats, bottled water and orthopedic bedding.For more information visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com

Helicopter tours from Atlantis The PalmNow you can get an aerial city tour of Dubai if you opt for the helicopter tour offered by Atlantis The Palm. There are two tours on offer--for 15 and 25 minutes each. Both take off from this iconic hotel and cover landmarks like Dubai Creek, Port Rashid, Burj Al Arab Hotel, the World Islands, Jumeirah Palm, Dubai Marina and Business Bay and Burj Khalifa. The tours start at US $192 per person.For more information visit www.atlantisthepalm.com

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